Taichung chef receives French award for culinary excellence｜Formosa English News

Bilingual text here: https://english.ftvnews.com.tw/news/2026A22W08EA?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description 雙語文字版: https://english.ftvnews.com.tw/news/2026A22W08EA?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description Our official website: ➔ https://english.ftvnews.com.tw/ Follow us on Facebook: ➔ https://www.facebook.com/ftvformosanews X (Twitter): ➔ https://x.com/FTV_Taiwan_News Taiwan’s first Michelin-starred female chef Justine Li earned further international recognition this year for excellence in French cuisine. She was awarded the rank of Knight in France’s Order of Agriculture Merit, with the honor presented by the director of the French Office in Taipei. Li, founder and head chef of a renowned French restaurant in Taichung, has once again proven Taiwan’s culinary talent on the international stage. Frédéric Laplanche French Office in Taipei Director It is my great honor to present Ms. Justine Li with this distinction from the Order of Agricultural Merit on behalf of the French Republic. The director of the French Office in Taipei personally awarded the Order of Agricultural Merit to Justine Li, recognizing her efforts in promoting French cuisine in Taiwan for over 20 years. She founded a French restaurant in Taichung in 2004, when Taiwanese were still largely unfamiliar with French cuisine. Her delicious creations have since been praised by critics and customers alike. Justine Li Decorated chef While this medal is more of a personal honor, it’s thanks to the hard work of my team that I have the chance to receive it. I couldn’t have done it alone. Li cooks Taiwanese ingredients in the French culinary style, such as grilled mackerel from Penghu served with a clear bouillabaisse broth, or pan-seared prawns with zucchini garnish. In 2020, when Taichung was included in the Michelin Guide for the first time, Li’s restaurant earned a star. Justine Li Decorated chef The whole journey has been challenging. For example, at the start, people in Taiwan weren’t familiar with French cuisine, plus finding the right ingredients was tough. I think French cuisine truly takes teamwork. It’s not something you can do alone. Frédéric Laplanche French Office in Taipei Director French cuisine is an important part of French culture. We believe it’s a deeply rooted cultural element. So we are very grateful to have someone promoting it in Taiwan. France’s Order of Agricultural Merit recognizes people for their outstanding contributions to agriculture and cuisine. From earning a Michelin star to the medal now on her lapel, Li has spent decades pursuing her dream, bringing authentic French cuisine to Taiwan. For more Taiwan news, tune in: Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152 Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53 #Taichung #French #France #cuisine #OrderofAgriculturalMerit #award #FrenchOfficeinTaipei #Michelin #JustineLi #chef #台灣新聞 #FormosaEnglishNews #民視新聞 #FTV新聞 #Taiwan